Symphyotrichum novae anglais, New England Aster
FS-PS, Zone 4, blooms August - October, 4.5 ‘x 3’, wet to drought tolerant.
Keystone Species - Asters are the number 2 keystone perennial in our region. In general they can support 112 species of caterpillars as host plant and more than 30 species of Specialist Bees rely on the pollen Asters produce. They have late season nectar crucial to native pollinators. By hosting a high diversity of caterpillars, it provides the essential protein source needed by 96% of terrestrial birds to raise their young. Because it supports so many insects (the primary food source for 96% of terrestrial birds), its removal can cause the local food web to collapse.
This aster has hairy stems and a distinctive structure where the leaves clasp the stem, almost encircling it. Flowering occurs from August to November, with the lower leaves often withering by the time of flowering. The abundant flower heads are showy with yellow disc florets at the center and ray florets that range from a deep purple or rose pink to rarely white. Easy to grow and a late season showstopper for humans and a buffet for pollinators. The seeds and nectar of this fall-flowering species are important to a wide variety of animals. Cut flowers from asters will last a week in the vase when cut at an early blooming stage.
Attracts a wide variety of generalist nectar-feeding insects, including butterflies, moths, soldier beetles, ants, flies, honey bees and native bees. Because of how the nectar develops and rises up the flower tubes, it is heavily visited by different types of long and short-tongued bumblebees. Asters host caterpillars of the Silvery Checkerspot Butterfly, Pearl Crescent Butterfly and several species of moths.
DA Planting Note - Some customers have questioned how aggresively this plant might spread. After 9 seasons of growing this plant we can say the plants themselves grow each year to a spread of about 4’. The only years we have seen many volunteers from seed are the seasons we have had abundant rain, which is not many. Once our native plants are established we do not water them unless it is an extended drought.
Symphyotrichum novae anglais, New England Aster
FS-PS, Zone 4, blooms August - October, 4.5 ‘x 3’, wet to drought tolerant.
Keystone Species - Asters are the number 2 keystone perennial in our region. In general they can support 112 species of caterpillars as host plant and more than 30 species of Specialist Bees rely on the pollen Asters produce. They have late season nectar crucial to native pollinators. By hosting a high diversity of caterpillars, it provides the essential protein source needed by 96% of terrestrial birds to raise their young. Because it supports so many insects (the primary food source for 96% of terrestrial birds), its removal can cause the local food web to collapse.
This aster has hairy stems and a distinctive structure where the leaves clasp the stem, almost encircling it. Flowering occurs from August to November, with the lower leaves often withering by the time of flowering. The abundant flower heads are showy with yellow disc florets at the center and ray florets that range from a deep purple or rose pink to rarely white. Easy to grow and a late season showstopper for humans and a buffet for pollinators. The seeds and nectar of this fall-flowering species are important to a wide variety of animals. Cut flowers from asters will last a week in the vase when cut at an early blooming stage.
Attracts a wide variety of generalist nectar-feeding insects, including butterflies, moths, soldier beetles, ants, flies, honey bees and native bees. Because of how the nectar develops and rises up the flower tubes, it is heavily visited by different types of long and short-tongued bumblebees. Asters host caterpillars of the Silvery Checkerspot Butterfly, Pearl Crescent Butterfly and several species of moths.
DA Planting Note - Some customers have questioned how aggresively this plant might spread. After 9 seasons of growing this plant we can say the plants themselves grow each year to a spread of about 4’. The only years we have seen many volunteers from seed are the seasons we have had abundant rain, which is not many. Once our native plants are established we do not water them unless it is an extended drought.
